ExtremeRavens Posted December 21, 2023 Posted December 21, 2023 Here’s how The Baltimore Sun sports staff views the outcome of Monday night’s Week 16 game between the Ravens (11-3) and the San Francisco 49ers (11-3) at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Brian Wacker, reporter 49ers 27, Ravens 14: The 49ers are the most complete team in the NFL and the Ravens haven’t faced anyone close to their level this season. Baltimore’s offensive line has also been shaky with tackles Ronnie Stanley and Morgan Moses dealing with injuries, which is not great when facing a team that has averaged four sacks a game the past seven weeks and makes life miserable for opposing quarterbacks. And even if the Ravens can contain the 49ers’ dynamic offense of quarterback Brock Purdy, running back Christian McCaffrey, receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk and tight end George Kittle, scoring against San Francisco, which allows the second-fewest points per game in the NFL, will be difficult. Lamar Jackon has performed at an MVP level, but the offense is simply less dynamic without tight end Mark Andrews and running back Keaton Mitchell and thus a bit more predictable. Mike Preston, columnist 49ers 27, Ravens 21: The Ravens face an uphill battle playing the 49ers on the West Coast on Christmas Day. It will be the premiere matchup of the season and the Ravens have to stop running back Christian McCaffrey to be successful. That is a tough battle because San Francisco has a good offensive line, especially on the left side. This game will be won in the trenches. Childs Walker, reporter 49ers 31, Ravens 26: The Ravens have the running game and speedy defensive playmakers to keep the 49ers from running away with it. They will need to keep Lamar Jackson from being swarmed and score touchdowns when they reach the red zone. San Francisco is the best team in the league and simply has more room for error given its quartet of All-Pro skill players. C.J. Doon, editor Ravens 27, 49ers 24: The 49ers are the class of the league right now, but they are not unbeatable. A three-game losing streak against Cleveland, Minnesota and Cincinnati in October proves that. Brock Purdy has been playing like an MVP candidate since that stretch, though he hasn’t faced a defense anywhere near the Ravens’ level. I’m betting on defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to force Purdy into some mistakes and the run defense to slow down Christian McCaffrey just enough for Baltimore to hold on behind another heart-stopping performance from Lamar Jackson. Justin Tucker wins it with a late field goal, just like he did the last time these teams met in 2019. Tim Schwartz, editor Ravens 31, 49ers 28: What a treat this game is shaping up to be. The Ravens, largely healthy (minus the devastating Keaton Mitchell injury), are heading to the West Coast to take on the other best team in football in a meeting between the top two MVP candidates in prime time on Christmas night. The 49ers have put their three-game losing skid behind them thanks to the play of quarterback Brock Purdy, who has thrown 17 touchdowns and just two interceptions during San Francisco’s six-game winning streak. The former Mr. Irrelevant is now 16-3 as a starter in the regular season. But the Ravens have consistently played up or down to their opponent the past few years with Lamar Jackson under center, and I believe special teams will have a say in who wins this game. Only one team has Justin Tucker. This game is the ultimate toss-up. Just enjoy the show. View the full article Quote
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